EPSO Seek – Art – Language – Culture Fest in Dundalk begins today

Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager (TCCM) Martin McElligott has said that he and the team behind the SEEK Festival, “are excited to announce that EPSO Seek – Art – Language – Culture Fest will take place from Saturday 7 June to Sunday 15 June this year in Dundalk.”

Revealing details of the festival, Mr McElligott said that: “Over the past six years SEEK Urban Arts Festival has gone from strength to strength but now as we move forward, and look to the future, we are excited to introduce EPSO - an expanded vision for the festival that will elevate its scope and impact.

“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the success of SEEK, since the start of the project in 2019. So many people were instrumental along the journey and we would like to express a special thanks to Sarah Daly and the team in Creative Spark for their invaluable input.”

Moving forward EPSO FEST creates an opportunity to embrace all the creativity that is happening in Dundalk during the week of the festival - spanning a broader range of events to include talks, tours, music, poetry and more.

Martin continued “Over the next five years our aim is to deliver a contemporary creative arts festival that brings other elements of Dundalk’s Story to life in a vibrant and engaging way - celebrating local history, heritage, music, poetry, and culture through street art, creative practices, and storytelling in all its forms.

EPSO will encompass a wider range of artistic disciplines and expressions, and offer the public a rich and immersive experience, reaching a broader and more diverse audience.

The inaugural event of EPSO FEST 2025 is a celebration of poetry and song entitled ‘Tribe & Fire: Poetry Day’ and will take place in Dundalk Library from 2pm on Saturday 7th of June.

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Organised by Dundalk Writers Group, and described as a gathering of the tribes, this event welcomes visiting poets Bernie Crawford and Ruth Quinlan, Donegal Poet James Finnegan, Cathy Conlon, Larry Doherty, Michael Farry and Eithne Lannon! The audience will also be treated to musical performances by Róisín Ward Morrow and Ines Tola. All welcome.

Part 2 of this wonderful event will take place from 8pm in The Spirit Store at ‘The After Party’ open Mic evening with plenty more poetry, ceol agus craic for all to enjoy!

Also taking place on Saturday 7th of June at 3pm: Discover the History of The Green Church with Trevor Patterson - this insightful talk will explore the rich history and community of this landmark building in the town centre, and is open to all who are interested in learning more about the church’s fascinating past.

The first in a week-long series of historical walking tours of the street art in Dundalk will take place at 2pm on Sunday the 8th. Tickets are free but booking is essential, contact Dundalk Tourist Office on 0429352111 for more information.

Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Aiken Barracks on a special walking tour led by Sgt. Ricco Lucchesi. Taking place at 6.30pm on Thursday, 12th June, this 90-minute guided tour offers a unique insight into not only the heritage, but the people behind the walls of this historic barracks. Booking is essential, call 042 933 2295/6

Also taking place on Thursday is “A Conversation on Dorothy Macardle” at 7pm in Louth Libraries, Dundalk Branch. This captivating discussion will explore life and works of Dorothy Macardle, renowned Irish author, revolutionary and human rights advocate. Contact Dundalk library for full details 042 935 3190.

At 1pm on Friday the 13th in County Museum in Dundalk, retired fire fighter Jim Kerley of the Old Dundalk Society, will give a highly anticipated talk on the iconic Merryweather fire engine. This historic fire engine travelled to assist with the relief efforts in Belfast during the German blitz of the city in 1941. After the talk Jim will provide a tour of the Merryweather which will be on display in the Museum courtyard.

In addition to this exciting line-up of events four new largescale murals will be revealed in the town centre throughout the week! Artists from Spain, South Africa, Ireland and the UK will unleash their creative magic on the walls of Dundalk.

The themes they will explore or reimagine include Aonbharr, Edward the Bruce, and St Oliver Plunkett - in celebration of 400 years since the birth, and 50 years since his canonisation!

The 4th and final installation is more about our individual identity as it resonates to modern day Dundalk…. all will be revealed throughout the festival. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to enjoy everything that the festival has to offer over the week, be sure to check out EPSO social media accounts or contact Dundalk BIDS & Tourist Office with any enquiries.

EPSO FEST and Dundalk Town say they would like to thank all of their sponsors, Louth County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Colourtrend, Hire Direct, Mo Chara and The Brassil for their amazing support and commitment.